It’s Jessie Diggins the most decorated cross-country skier in American history. He is also ranked as the best cross-country skier in the worldin a game that rewards only the rarest fit. Now competing in his fourth and final Olympics, the three-time Olympic medalist arrives in Milan as a different athlete than he was at his first Games. He told WIRED that he’s more confident, more empowered, and more invested in the world beyond the game.

Diggins helped win the U.S.’s first gold in cross-country skiing in Pyeongchang, but his work was far from the course. She advocates for mental health and eating disorder recovery through her work with the Emily Program, supports climate action as an ambassador for Protect Our Winters, and champions wider access to winter sports through the Share Winter Foundation. “I’m still focused on being as good a teammate as I can and performing to my highest potential,” he said, “but there’s a lot more behind every race now.”

To remind him that there is more than race results at stake, he doesn’t travel without a framed family photo. It sits on his nightstand when he is not at home. He also packs a growing stack of loose photos and handwritten good-luck notes from friends and family. At every Olympics, he would tape it across his bedroom. “It reminds me of what really matters at the end of the day,” Diggins told WIRED.

We asked Diggins what else traveled to Milan.

An Instant Smile

Dermatone

Lips & Face Biodegradable Glitter Kit – Snow/Ski

Before every race, Diggins swipes a little glitter on her cheeks to remind herself to smile and enjoy the ride. “It’s supposed to be fun!” She uses biodegradable glitter by Dermatone; Its Lips & Face: Snow/Ski kit includes two mini balms, red and blue glitter pots, and four ski-themed stencils.

Good Night’s Sleep

sender

Signature Rain Sheet Set

Saatva sent Diggins her favorite Signature Sateen Sheet Set, which allowed her to turn her Olympic bedroom into a familiar sleeping setup. Made from 300-thread-count long-staple cotton, the sheets are breathable, cooling, and higher quality than standard hotel bedding. “Sleep is the most important way to recover and prepare for my best race, so having a good sleep environment is important to me,” he said.

Something to Do with His Hands

Inscraft

113 Piece Crochet Kit with Yarn Set

During this time, Diggins embraced knitting as a way to decompress. “It’s a huge mental health boost for me on those nervous pre-race mornings,” he said. “I brought enough wool and needles to sew a sweater during the Games.”

Salomon Skis

Solomon

S/Lab Skate (and Shift Race)

Diggins will compete in all six cross-country ski events in Milan (although he was eliminated in the quarterfinals for yesterday’s sprint classic with bruised ribs). That’s a lot of skiing! He keeps 70 pairs of Salomon racing skis in his wax truck, each one adapted for different snow textures and weather conditions. On race days, her wax tech and coach, Jason Cork, would pick out pairs for her to try on beforehand.

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